AI industry funds political network to influence U.S. policy

A consortium of leading tech investors and AI executives has launched a political fundraising network aimed at shaping U.S. technology policy and safeguarding the interests of the artificial intelligence industry in upcoming state and federal elections. The initiative, backed by more than $100 million in contributions, intends to back candidates who favor a pro-innovation regulatory environment, oppose restrictive measures, and help the United States maintain a competitive edge in AI development against global rivals. It plans to operate first in key AI hubs at the state level—California, New York, Illinois, and Ohio—before expanding to federal races and the 2026 midterms. The effort marks a formal, well-funded political mobilization by the AI sector, modeled on successful political-action networks in the crypto space.

The organization behind the effort is led by a coalition that includes prominent venture-capital backers, technology executives, and AI researchers. The group positions itself as a bipartisan vehicle to advance a policy agenda that supports rapid deployment of AI innovations while resisting regulations viewed as slowing progress or hindering U.S. leadership. The...